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On Trial in a Federal Courtroom: The Tradition of Marriage Jan 14, 2010

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Gays and lesbians can raise children, but in most states they can't be married. California's ban on same-sex marriage is on trial in a case that may end up in the US Supreme Court. We get a progress report on the issues being raised in a San Francisco courtroom and the impact of the public proceedings on same-sex parents and their children. Also, disaster relief in Haiti.

Haiti's Humanitarian Disaster; A Different Disaster on Wall Street Jan 13, 2010

Show notes

The death toll may be as high as 500,000 in the biggest earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years. We hear about US rescue and relief efforts. Plus, on Wall Street a disaster of a different kind. What caused the economic recession?

Will 'Race to the Top' Leave No Child Behind? Jan 12, 2010

Show notes

President Obama's "Race to the Top" in Education features charter schools and standardized tests to evaluate teacher performance. Will it improve the much-criticized "No Child Left Behind" or is it the same, only more so? Also, Iraq uncovers bomb and assassination plots. On Reporter's Notebook, abortion, manslaughter and first-degree murder in a Kansas courtroom.

Are 'Tea Parties' Real Politics? Can They Make a Difference? Jan 11, 2010

Show notes

One element of the "tea party" movement will stage a national convention next month where it’ll cost $549 to hear Sarah Palin make the keynote speech. Will the event help to organize a disparate political movement or alienate grassroots protesters who don’t have that kind of money? Who are the tea-partiers, anyway? Also, the Proposition 8 trail begins in federal court, and the politics of race makes a comeback.

This Year's Mid-Term Elections: Which Party Will Party? Jan 08, 2010

Show notes

At the approach of this year's mid-term elections, Democrats are stepping down from the Senate and Congress—but so are Republicans. Does either one have the advantage? Will the results in November determine if President Obama succeeds or fails? Also, a glimmer of hope despite a disappointing December job report, and Arnold Schwarzenegger begins his last year as Governor of California.

A Double Agent, the CIA and al Qaeda Jan 07, 2010

Show notes

When a double agent turned into a suicide bomber, seven US intelligence agents were killed. How much expertise did the CIA lose? What does the incident say about the abilities of al-Qaeda — and the quality of US intelligence? Also, the Obama Administration wants to crack down on smog.

Is Federal Action Making the Housing Crisis Better or Worse? Jan 06, 2010

Show notes

Despite federal efforts to "modify" mortgages, America's housing crisis is getting worse. Without greater protection, will more people walk away from their loans? Should banks and other lenders take the hit? Is economic recovery at risk? Also, Democratic Senator Chris Dodd decides against running for a sixth term, and the world's largest trade show for consumer technology.

Should Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay Be Sent Home to Yemen? Jan 05, 2010

Show notes

With the Christmas Day bombing attempt now tied to Yemen, Yemeni prisoners could delay the closing of Guantánamo Bay. Should they be returned to their home country? Sent to northern Illinois? What about "re-education" programs like those in Saudi Arabia? Also, Democrats prepare to merge health bills behind closed doors, and airport security and body scanners.

Security in the Skies and Politics in Washington Jan 04, 2010

Show notes

Yemen is now being described as a hotbed of terrorists, as debate continues over the near-bombing of a US airliner on Christmas Day. We update the latest security measures and the political infighting. Also embassy doors shut in Yemen, in response to terror threats, and professional basketball and guns.

The Negative Impact of Positive Thinking Jan 01, 2010

Show notes

The key to achieving the American dream is often said to be positive thinking, but Barbara Ehrenreich's new book argues that “Positive Thinking has Undermined America.” For example, was the current financial collapse the result of self-delusion from the top to the bottom? Also, the 2010 census, and the high cost of visiting penguins in Antarctica.

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